STS-2

STS-2 was a space shuttle mission by NASA using the Space Shuttle Columbia, launched November 12, 1981. This was the second space shuttle mission, and was also the second mission for the Space Shuttle Columbia.

The mission of the STS-2

This mission's primary goal was to conduct a series of tests on the Shuttle's preformance in the first re-flight of the same manned spacecraft. It was also carrying the program's first payload.

The mission, which was planned to last 5 days, was cut short by nearly 3 days when 1 of the 3 primary fuel cells failed. The fuel cells were responsible for producing electricity and drinking water. Although the mission was cut short, 90% of the mission objectives were met, including the first tests in space of the 50-foot Canadian built Remote Manipulator System[?], also knows as the RMS.

Columbia circled the Earth 36 times.

Crew

• Commander: Joseph H. Engle[?]
• Pilot: Richard H. Truly[?]

Backup Crew

• Backup Commander: Thomas K. Mattingly[?]
• Backup Pilot: Henry W. Hartsfield[?]

Related articles

• Space science
• Space shuttle
• Space Shuttle Columbia disaster

External links

• [Astro Info STS-2 Data (http://www.astroinfoservice.co.uk/mission/sts2/sts2data)]
• [STS-2 Shuttle Mission (http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/shuttle/missions/sts-2/mission-sts-2)]
• [STS-2 Mission Chronology (http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/chron/sts-2.htm)]